Certified Athletic Therapists are probably best known for their quick-thinking on-field emergency care during sporting events. AT’s are the first to respond when an injury occurs because they are experts at evaluating the nature and severity of injury, and are highly skilled in making decisions about safe return-to-play.

Off the field, Athletic Therapists are often found in a clinical environment, working side by side with other health care professionals such as Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Registered Massage Therapists. AT’s have in-depth knowledge, education and training in the areas of the human musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, joints), exercise physiology, and biomechanics. They treat a wide range of patients, from kids with concussions to seniors recovering from hip replacement surgery, using various manual therapies, modalities, exercise prescription and even bracing and taping. An Athletic Therapist’s goal is to help clients return to their usual activities, whether that means playing competitive sports or walking to the mailbox and back.

Being a competitive athlete herself, Nicole knows the physical, mental and emotional demands placed on athletes not only during the competitive season but leading up to it as well. She has had the opportunity to work with a number of recreational, competitive and professional athletes in varying sports. Nicole has been a part of the core health care team for the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse team at the Men’s World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Syracuse in 2015, and the U19 Men’s World Field Lacrosse Championships in Finland in 2012. She also recently volunteered with Men’s and Women’s Soccer at the Toronto PanAm Games in 2015. She has gained additional experience working at the Provincial Qualifying Competition for Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics, and the Canada Cup International Wrestling Tournament, and has volunteered at the CFL combine. Beyond this, Nicole has worked with the Six Nations Jr. A Lacrosse Team, the Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club, the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association, Rugby Ontario, Toronto Junior Argonauts, Woodbine Racetrack, the University of Toronto’s Football and Wrestling Team, and the Brock University Women’s Basketball team.

Athletic Therapy treatments are covered by a number of private insurance companies, as well as sport organizations. If you would like to know more about Athletic Therapy at The Proactive Athlete or need assistance in determining whether or not it is covered by your extended health provider, feel free to call the clinic or email Nicole at nicole@theproactiveathlete.ca